Intro

NanoDrop for Cell Culture

Manual: "Note: The most distinct difference between the NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer “absorbance” values for microbial cell cultures and those observed using classical cuvette based systems will be attributable to the shorter pathlength (1 mm vs. 1 cm.) Values may not be exactly 10 fold different as readings are dependent on both the optics of a specific spectrophotometer as well as the cell type in suspension."

Sample Size Requirements:

"Field experience has indicated that 1ul samples are sufficient to ensure accurate and reproducible results when measuring aqueous samples. However, if you are unsure about your sample composition or your pipettor accuracy, a 2 ul sample is recommended to ensure that the liquid sample column is formed and the light path is completely covered by sample."

Cell Suspension Concentrations

"Due to its shorter path length, the NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer can measure absorbencies that are 10-fold higher than those measurable on a standard cuvette spectrophotometer. This makes it possible to directly monitor concentrated cell suspensions. Since the entire spectrum is displayed, diluted samples exhibiting very low ‘Absorbance’ at 600 nm can be monitored at lower wavelengths, for example 280 nm."